This Unexpected Protein Source Packs Serious Health Benefits

When people think about meat, particularly those who follow a standard American diet, they think about muscle and tissue meats, such as chicken thighs, steak, and pork loin. However, meat also includes offal—the organs of butchered animals. 

Examples of organ meats include the heart, kidneys, and liver. Organ meats are popular in regions of the world such as Southeast Asia and Africa. They’re also common menu items in some European countries and the southern parts of the U.S.

Organ meats are nutrient-dense, meaning they’re packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12. In moderation, they can be a great addition to your diet.

Benefits of Organ Meats

While organ meats and types of meat (e.g. beef, chicken, and lamb) vary in their nutrient content, some are particularly noteworthy.

1. Rich in Protein

Organ meats are rich in protein, an essential nutrient for overall health. Protein is a critical macronutrient that provides structure to the body’s tissues and organs. It’s also involved in various bodily functions such as antibody and hormonal functions.

Additionally, increased protein, when coupled with resistance exercise, promotes greater strength and muscle gains, which can help slow down the progression of age-related muscle loss or sarcopenia.

The recommended protein intake for healthy adults is 10% to 35% of calorie needs, and animal sources—including organ meats—are a good option for meeting protein requirements. 

Liver in particular is high in protein. A 100-gram (3.5 ounces) serving of both beef and lamb liver provides 20.4 grams of protein while the same portion size of chicken liver offers 16.9 grams of protein. Tongue is also protein-rich with both veal and pork tongue supplying 17.2 grams of protein in a 100-gram portion. 

2. Packed With B Vitamins

Like other animal-based foods, organ meats contain B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient involved in blood and nerve cell health and DNA production. The recommended daily intake for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms. When it comes to high vitamin B12 sources, beef liver comes out at the top, offering 59.3 micrograms in a 100-gram portion.

Vitamin B6 is another important B vitamin involved in various bodily functions, among them, protein metabolism. The recommended daily intake for vitamin B6 is 1.6 milligrams. Beef liver provides nearly 100% of the daily value for vitamin B6, at 1.08 milligrams in a 100-gram serving. Kidney also supplies a substantial amount of vitamin B6 at 0.665 milligrams in a 100-gram serving of beef kidney, meeting about 62% of the daily value.

3. Full of Minerals

Organ meats are packed with various minerals, including iron, which helps carry oxygen throughout the body, and zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing. The recommended daily values for iron and zinc are 18 milligrams and 11 milligrams, respectively.

Liver from various animal sources offers about 5-9 milligrams of iron in a 100-gram portion, meeting about 28% to 50% of the daily value. Liver is also a good source of zinc as are kidney, tongue, and heart, providing 15% or more of the daily value in a 100-gram serving.

4. High in Choline

Choline is needed for regulating mood, memory, and muscle control. It also plays a role in early brain development and metabolism. While the liver can make a small amount of choline, most of what is obtained must come from your diet.

The recommended daily value for choline is 550 milligrams. Despite consuming choline from both food and supplements, most Americans don’t meet the recommended daily intake for choline, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many foods contain choline including animal-based foods. Beef liver, for example, provides a substantial amount of choline at 333 milligrams in a 100-gram serving, which meets 60% of the daily value.

Organ Meats vs. Muscle Meats

Both organ meats and muscle meats are nutritious, though organ meats are typically more nutrient-dense, according to research. Organ meats are the edible byproducts of butchered animals, such as tongue, liver, and kidneys. Muscle meats, on the other hand, are the types of meats that people on a Western diet are typically more familiar with, like chicken breast, beef tenderloin, and pork chops. 

While there are many different types of muscle and organ meats, the following table will focus on a few key nutritional comparisons worth noting.

Risks of Eating Organ Meats

Although organ meats are rich in protein and nutrients, there are some potential risks worth mentioning:

• High Purine: Individuals with gout are typically advised to avoid organ meat because it’s high in purines, which are chemical compounds in food known to cause gout. Purines are broken down into uric acid, and high uric acid levels in the blood can lead to gout attacks.
• Excess Vitamin A: Organ meat is also vitamin A-rich and as a fat-soluble vitamin, excess amounts get stored in the liver as opposed to excreted through urine. Excess vitamin A can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. High vitamin A is especially toxic for the unborn baby and can cause birth defects.
• Mad Cow Disease: Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle and is fatal. Humans can get it from eating food made from a cow that had BSE. The FDA takes steps to ensure that the U.S. food supply is safe from BSE, including prohibiting the feeding of high-risk animal parts like the brain and spinal cord to other animals. As a result, the risk of BSE in the U.S. food supply is very low.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A recent study involving over 15,000 participants indicated that organ meat consumption is associated with a moderately high risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although researchers note that further studies are needed to validate findings, it’s important for those at risk for NAFLD, such as people with diabetes or insulin resistance, to take precautions. It may be best to avoid organ meats. 

Tips for Cooking and Preparing Organ Meats

Organ meats can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to consume them in moderation and incorporate a variety of other high-quality proteins like lean poultry, fish, and plant proteins. Choose high-quality organ meats with little to no processing from reputable sources. In addition, consume organ meats alongside nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. 

It’s also important to cook organ meats thoroughly. Organ meats from beef, lamb, veal, and pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Poultry organ meats should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some ideas for incorporating organ meats into a balanced diet:

• Add chopped liver to homemade meatballs or burgers.
• Sauté sliced liver or kidneys with vegetables like onions and bell peppers.
• Make a chicken liver paté to spread on whole grain toast.
• Grill or roast lamb heart or beef tongue and serve with roasted vegetables and grains.
• Simmer beef tripe and vegetables in a hearty soup.

A Quick Review

Organ meats are nutritious, providing protein and other essential nutrients. They can be incorporated into a variety of dishes and can help reduce overall food waste by using more of the animal. However, it’s important to choose high-quality unprocessed organ meats from reputable sources and to cook them thoroughly. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re interested in incorporating organ meats into your diet but have concerns about how it may affect your health.